My Outdoor Singapore

Although I am always on the move for my travel blog, Lost Guides, I love calling Singapore “home,” in big part because it’s always summer here. So, hailing from London and trading in my raincoat for denim shorts and T-shirts was a no-brainer. Charmed by Singapore’s natural abundance, I was quick to move past the preconception of my new home being just a shiny, modern city and discovered lush jungles, fun hikes, and a retro-infused beach nestled between the shiny skyscrapers and concrete sidewalks. Among the other things I love about Singapore—aside from the delightfully distinct food, the diverse people—is the fact that I can enjoy an active, outdoorsy life here. Come join me on an adventure to discover the vivacity of My Outdoor Singapore:

MacRitchie Reservoir

A short 10 minutes away from the city center is the start of an 11-kilometer nature trail around the scenic MacRitchie Reservoir Park. I usually round up some friends, stock up on water and snacks, and venture along wooden boardwalks past cool-water lakes into the dense lush greenery of the forest. Make sure to look out for mischievous monkeys (my favorite) and the occasional slithering snake (harmless, I swear!) and make your way to the highlight of the 3-hour hike—a 250-meter freestanding suspension bridge known as the TreeTop Walk. Here, you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the forest canopy and views stretching over the blue reservoir perfect for an eye-catching photo opp.

Green Corridor

As I often travel by train, I just love the history behind this 10-kilometer trail used often by walkers, joggers, and marathoners. Beginning at the now defunct Tanjong Pagar Railway Station, it was once planned to be the starting point of the Orient Express into Asia. The Green Corridor trail has the feeling of a secret garden that manages to plough straight through the urban city landscape—a beautiful paradox. When I finish my walk through this trail, I unwind with an ice-cold beer at Colbar, a laid-back spot that is also a piece of history—it was the unofficial canteen for members of the British Army in 1953.

Wakeboarding in the Straits

Having never wakeboarded before moving to Singapore, I found the warm, calm waters and array of wakeboard schools ideal for a surprisingly successful first ride and I continue to partake in this activity in hopes of moving past the face-plants altogether! I love the guys at Maxout Hydrosports, who will organize a full-on BBQ on board their pirate-inspired wooden ship after a fun day of boarding.

Tanjong Beach

Having grown up in the UK where it was rarely beach weather, I really make the most of it living in Asia. Located to the south of the city on Sentosa Island, Tanjong Beach is lined with tall palm trees and home to the ’70s-retro-inspired Tanjong Beach Club. Round up a group and hit the volleyball nets or get active on stand-up paddleboards, while rows of comfy sun loungers await those who just want to mellow out on the beach. And all beach-goers should finish off the day with a satisfying lunch of deliciously fresh seafood and salads from the TBC restaurant.

Pulau Ubin

I love getting on a quick “bum boat” ride from the east side of Singapore to Pulau Ubin, known as “the island that time forgot.” A throwback to local life in the ’60s with original “kampung” villages, this lush oasis of trees and lakes is home to wildlife such as native wild boar, hornbill birds, and long-tailed macaques. I always rent a mountain bike to explore the hilly terrain through bike trails that wind through beautiful mangroves and lead to a stunning coastal boardwalk—the perfect atmosphere for a beautiful outdoor escape.